9 of the Most Popular Houseplants & How NOT to Kill Them
New to potential plant parenting? You're in the right place. We've compiled a list of some of the most instagramable indoor plants and rated them on their beginner friendliness. Keep scrolling to see some familiar faces and read on to find your perfect match.
9. Fern
Before plant care became popular on social media, there was always the fern. This tropical plant needs attentive care and is considered one of the more high maintenance house plants.
How often do I water it? Depends on the size of plant. Ferns require the soil to consistently be moist but not soggy. So a while a large plant might need daily watering, a small fern in a humid climate may need it less often.
Will I kill it? Probably if you're a beginner. Luckily there are many other plants to consider first!
8. Monstera
Also known as the swiss cheese plant, the monstera's iconic leaves have made it the "it" plant for millenials and gen z.
How often do I water it? Every 1-2 weeks when 50-70% of the soil is dry.
Will I kill it? Probably not but it's need for bright, indirect sunlight may take a few tries to find the perfect spot in your home. Remembering to mist it once a week will also make for the most dramatic and lush growth. Lastly, it's large leaves have a propensity for collecting dust so you'll need to keep an eye on that and gently wipe the leaves with a wet cloth as needed.
7. Calathea
The pothos (see #4) to basic for you? Try the ever popular calathea instead. It's graphic and lush leaves will brighten up any space.
How often do I water it? Every 1-2 weeks ensuring the top of the soil is dry before watering again. Overall it prefers moist (but not soggy!) soil at all times.
Will I kill it? Probably not but it's a truly tropical plant that needs humidity and appreciates regular misting.
6. Philodendron
Sometimes confused for the pothos, the philodendron is similarly low maintenance and can grow quite dramatically.
How often do I water it? Every 1-2 weeks ensuring the soil is dry before watering again.
Will I kill it? Probably not, however the non-climbing type can grow to have a very wide spread so be ready to make more room for it as time goes on.
5. Hoya
This picture perfect plant comes in over 200 varieties, including the super cute heart shaped leaf version pictured here.
How often do I water it? About every 2 weeks. Once the top of the soil is dry, it needs to be watered again.
Will I kill it? Probably not. As a bonus to beginners, this plant won't require re-potting for at least 2-3 years.
4. Pothos
You've probably seen this vine plant cascading down some of the most perfect #shelfies and for good reason; it's a plant that doesn't need direct sunlight and can even tolerate low light situations.
How often do I water it? Every 1-2 weeks ensuring that the soil is completely dry before watering it again.
Will I kill it? Probably not. Place in an office or living room, set a weekly reminder to check the soil and you're good to go.
3. Snake
This easily recognizable plant is known for it's tall spear-like leaves and low maintenance attitude. Its resilience in low light situations makes it perfect for just about any living situation.
How often do I water it? About every 10 days ensuring the soil is dry before watering again.
Will I kill it? Nope, this easy going plant is great for beginners.
2. (Mini) Cacti
This infamous desert plant is perfect for beginners and small spaces.
How often do I water it? Every 10-14 days ensuring the soil is dry before watering again.
Will I kill it? No, you can even take the summer months off by leaving them outside. The occasional rain shower will take care of the watering.
1. ZZ
The zz plant, or zamioculcas zamiifolia if you nasty, is an semi-succulent from Africa and thrives in indirect, bright light.
How often do I water it? Every 2-3 weeks ensuring the soil is completely dry before watering again.
Will I kill it? Nope, less is definitely more with this plant. In fact overwatering is usually the only thing that will harm it.